What difference will an A7 chip make to the iPhone 6?

We take a look at the potential improvement an A7 chip could make to Apple's iPhone 6

News that Apple’s iPhone 6 could carry the company’s new A7 chip has been making headlines around the world, but what could the inclusion of that new piece of silicon mean in terms of performance to the new device?

Raw power

First and foremost users will get a major boost in processing power as the A7 chip will have a CPU with two more processor cores than the current A6X. The step-up to quad-core technology means that the chip will be able to cope with heavier workloads more efficiently – but it doesn’t mean that you’ll get a device that’s twice as fast.

Lower power consumption

While comparatively little is known of Apple’s A7 at this early stage in production, it’s safe to assume that the chip will bring more longevity to the iPhone 5S/iPhone 6, because it should require less power to run. This means more uptime for you and less stress on the environment in the long term.

Cranked-up clockspeed

According to rumors the A7 chip will have its cores clocked to 1.2GHz, which should provide a nice speed boost to the iPhone 6. That said, we’re already looking at 2GHz quad-cores in competitive products, so Apple is, once again, a turn behind the competition. Let’s hope it uses those extra MHz wisely.

Improved gaming chops

The new A7 chipset will bring with it a new and improved GPU. This is rumored to be the same quad-core PowerVR SGX554MP4 GPU that sits, happily powering the current iPad 4. Those of you that have had the pleasure of gaming on that device will no doubt be pleased at the suggestion, but we’ll be a mite disappointed if there isn’t something new and gutsier included in the iPhone 6.

Future proofing

This seems to be a dirty word to Apple right now, with its 6 monthly upgrade cycles, but in real terms the bump up to a newer chipset, developed and made with newer, more advanced technology, should mean that your device will remain relevant and capable for longer.

It also signifies a shift at development level, because it will be the first chipset developed without Samsung on board in one capacity or another, and after the recent patent acrimony that is seen as something very important for Apple indeed.